Autism Talks

Public speaking used to be something I was so afraid of, but throughout the process of learning to accept my autism, speaking out about the often invisible experiences of autistic women has become my greatest passion, achievement and vocation. As a teenager, I vowed to keep my diagnosis as a closely guarded secret, afraid of the compartmentalised reaction I would receive from my peers if I ever disclosed my autism. Since attending university, however, I made an amazing group of friends, and suddenly found myself with the courage to be open about my autism; I often found myself encountering remarks such as ‘you don’t seem autistic’, ‘i’d never have guessed’, ‘you don’t like like someone with autism’, but what does autism look like? What does autism act like? I think this notion was key in my late diagnosis - I didn’t fit the pervasive and often damaging stereotypes of the autism narrative perpetuated in the mainstream media; I’m not Rain Man, i’m not a savant with an incredible mathematic ability, nor am i someone that requires lifelong care or assistance - and the problem with the exclusivity of these stereotypes is that when we don’t fulfil them, nobody sees us. As a confused, ‘volatile’ kid, I fell through the vacuum of space between these opposing cliches, into an isolating space of invisibility. The problem with isolation is that the closer and more familiar it becomes, the further away everything else seems, and when you’re treated as invisible for long enough, you also, start to lose sight of yourself. Despite the struggles associated with being autistic, autistic people offer hugely valuable perspectives, talents and contributions to the world. I feel an intense desire to expand the minds of what people think it means to be autistic, and provide insight into how we can make our work spaces more equitable for the collaboration of diverse minds, as there is an immense strength in diversity. In speaking to companies, and presenting talks, I hope that we can collectively pave the road for a more inclusive, celebratory world, so that future generations won’t even realise the road was bumpy in the first place. 

I’d really love to empower your company to celebrate autistic minds and collectively pave the way for an inclusive, strong future.

To book me for an online, or in-person talk, please email me at:

alex.heron@alexandraheron.com